The Sub-vs-Dub Club

If at all possible, I will not watch a foreign film dubbed in English.  I guess some would call it being a "purist," but I prefer - always - to see a film in its native language, and the way the filmmaker wanted it seen.

I was happy, last week, to have the French animated film Long Way North coming to me on DVD from Netflix - only to learn, when I got the disk, that not only was it dubbed in English, but there wasn't even an option for the original French audio track on the DVD!  I watched the film, as there was no other option to view it in at the moment, and yes with an animated film it's easier to watch a dubbed film because the lip syncing isn't nearly as noticeable ... but then, with the help of a friend, I was able to track down the original French version ...

   
 And it reminded me of why I won't watch a dubbed film.  English subtitles means shortcuts; not only is the subtlety and feel of the entire film off when its original language isn't there to help set the tone, but the subtitles themselves are modified - shortened - even changed or dropped off entirely for the English-speaking audience.  Plot points are also spelled out more, catering to the (non)misconception that English-speaking audiences don't like to have to "think" when watching their films.  Things are ... dumbed-down, if you will, simpler language often used or "cool" English phrases or names substituted to make the viewer more comfortable watching the film.  In other words, make it seem more ... American.  Or British.  Or wherever.  

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the trailers for the subbed Tout en haut du monde and its dubbed sister Long Way North.  The French version, subbed, is above; note how a greater sense of mystery is achieved, the feel of the film more exotic and intriguing, the plot more hinted at than outright revealed, rousing interest.

Then check out its English-language equivalent below - where the plot is spelled out for you, the feel of the film feels more coarse and homegrown; less captivating.  You are given so much more information, because its assumed you need to pretty much be hit over the head with more, in order to be interested in the film.
   Some may well still like the dubbed version better.  Sadly, it's how American audiences in particular are trained to think.  And I know there are plenty of people who still say they don't like to "read" their movies; that the subtitles are too distracting, it's too hard to look up at what's going on and down to read it then up again (a total fallacy; every single person I know who has made the switch admits the act of reading subtitles becomes automatic almost immediately).  

All I know is that it didn't feel like I'd really seen Long Way North until I watched Tout en haut du monde.  And as a lover of film, I will maintain to my dying day that those who choose dubbed over subbed aren't really seeing the film they wanted to see.  

Please, always, seek out the real thing.